Sending log of accessed data prior to executing disable command in lost computer

Abstract

Prior to disabling itself in response to a disable command, a lost or stolen portable computer first constructs a log of data that has been accessed recently and sends the log to the rightful owner's address, so the owner knows specifically what data might have been compromised.

1 . A portable computer, comprising:
 a portable housing;   a processor in the housing;   a tangible computer readable storage medium in the housing and accessible to the processor and bearing information;   a transceiver in the housing configured to receive a disable command and in response transmit a log of data that has been accessed, prior to executing the disable command.   
   
   
       2 . The computer of  claim 1 , wherein the log is of data accessed since a benchmark time. 
   
   
       3 . The computer of  claim 2 , wherein the log indicates data that has been read and data that has been written. 
   
   
       4 . The computer of  claim 1 , wherein the disable command causes the computer to render itself substantially unusable. 
   
   
       5 . The computer of  claim 2 , wherein the benchmark time is identified in the disable command. 
   
   
       6 . The computer of  claim 2 , wherein the log contains at least file names that have been accessed since the benchmark time. 
   
   
       7 . Computer, comprising:
 at least one processor executing logic comprising generating a disable command, the disable command including at least:   an address to which a log of recently accessed data is to be sent;   an address of a computer sought to be disabled; and   instruction to the computer sought to be disabled to disable itself after sending a log of recently accessed data to the address to which the log of accessed data is to be sent.   
   
   
       8 . Computer of  claim 7 , wherein the disable command is encrypted. 
   
   
       9 . Computer of  claim 7 , wherein the address to which the log of accessed data is to be sent is an address of the computer sending the disable command. 
   
   
       10 . Computer of  claim 7 , wherein the address to which the log of accessed data is to be sent is an address of an Internet server. 
   
   
       11 . Computer of  claim 7 , wherein the disable command further includes a benchmark time. 
   
   
       12 . Method, comprising:
 receiving a disable command at a computer;   in response to the disable command, transmitting information indicating accessed data; and   after the transmitting act, disabling the computer.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the computer disables itself. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the information indicating accessed data indicates data accessed since a benchmark time. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the benchmark time is defined in the disable command. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the information is transmitted to an address identified in the disable command. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the information indicates data that has been read and data that has been written. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the disable command causes the computer to
 render itself substantially unusable.